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welder

Hey
Go ahead and turn loose of that green and get the best. I have a Miller 600 which is very expensive but worth it. I got a little brake on mine in 1989 for $2500.00. I don't know what they sell for now. But if you want just a buzz box then a Hobart or if Miller makes one it would be good. Gil

I think you are really limiting your options with 115v, unless you go with the Maxstar. Even with the Max, you are still only getting 100 amps. Now, with the right prep you can still weld 1/4". Personally, I would go with a good old 230v AC/DC buzzbox, which you can find for under your price limit (which will do single pass 1/4" DC and 1/2" AC welds at max amperage). Hobart/Miller and Lincoln offer competively priced products, and I have had good success with a Lincoln 225/125 AC/DC unit.

I was in the same boat as you a few months ago, and I lucked into my Lincoln stick welder. I picked it up new in the box for under $300, and couldn't be happier with it. Once you go with 230v units, you won't look back! The question is, do you have reliable access to 230v?

To be honest, I'm not sure if the major names are offering a 115v stick welders (with the exception of the Maxstar, and even with it you get the highest performance with 230v). I couldn't find one on Miller, Hobart, or Lincoln's websites, but I do know they are offered. In fact, Century may offer one, and I am pretty sure Harbor Freight carries some variation of a 115v stick unit(but I really cannot comment on the quality). If you have a panel box in your garaage, you can always add a dedicated 220/230v plug near the box. That's exactly what I had to do, and only required a short length of appropriate cable, 50amp female plug, and 50amp breaker.